Eighteen Visions - XVIII

Not long long ago, back in 2004, I was absolutely cranking this new album called "Obsession" in my home, my old man's car, and on my headphones to and from school.  While this was Eighteen Visions' third album on a major label, this was my first album with them.  I saturated it like a sponge, much like everything when you're 17 years old.

Well as luck would have it, they jumped on a major tour across Canada/US alongside 36 Crazyfists, From Autumn To Ashes, and Killswitch Engage.  It was almost guaranteed to be both one amazing show, and a high grossing tour for all the bands.  Jumping into a car with three of my buddies, we booked it down the highway to London, ON to The Drink Nightclub to watch the chaos unfold.  Eighteen Visions didn't have the pull like the headliners obviously did, but damn did they sound great in their signature black dress attire.

(Photo courtesy of Travis Shinn)

After another partially successful self-titled album in 2004, Eighteen Vision decided to call it quits and move onto solo projects.  I casually followed James when he was doing Burn Halo albums, but at that point my music tastes exploded, and was onto other bands.

However, when I hear that Eighteen Visions decided to 'get the ol gang back together', I will admit I was a bit hesitant.  Not that I didn't have faith they could make music again, but if their age got the best of them, only to cash in on a  little notoriety if you will.  So after a few months of waiting, I finally sat down and listened to "XVIII", the return of 18V.  I was not only happy to hear the return, but daaaammmnnn they kept it heavy!  Tracks such as "Live Again" and "Oath" bring the down-tuned screamo back full circle, just like they did for "Tower of Snakes".



The guys have really hit their mark with their return to the music scene after ten years of bands coming and going.  James' vocals are on point for both pitch and storytelling.  They album cover, the music videos, and the sound are bringing back that black signature look of the band.  It's almost as if they had nothing left to lose when making this new album and just went back to what they knew.  I give them great kudos for this, as this album has been spinning more times than my roommates care to hear. haha

"XVIII" was released on June 2nd, 2017 via [newly inked relationship] Rise Records.

(Album artwork courtesy of coreradio.ru)

1. Crucified
2. The Disease, The Decline, The Wasted Time
3. Underneath My Gun
4. Live Again
5. Laid To Waste In The Shit Of Man
6. Oath
7. Spit
8. Picture Perfect
9. Fake Leather Jacket
10. For This I Sacrifice